August 22, 2012

Stress Crafting

This seems to be my way of trying to coping with transition and change. I noticed it this spring when A1 was about to turn 18 AND graduate from high school on the same weekend. First, I made her a quilt, then knit her a stuffed animal, then a sweater, then another one. I felt like I was trying to wrap her in all things handmade. Maybe all that energy, love, would help her and me get through all of the impending change. It spilled over to the other children as they were all getting ready to leave for camp. A2 got another sock yarn slouchy hat, A3 a red, white, and blue ruffle scarf and A4 got a very apprehensive knit monkey. No matter how many times I re-did the face he always looked like he wasn't quite sure.

(Maybe he is scared of the ruffle scarf)

So now, with the impending start of school, and A1's departure to England for the year, I'm at it again. The Tulips baby sweater is finished.

and today, the girls and I decided to do a Mother/ Daughters knit a long! We went right over to Webs to pick up just the right yarn, Madelinetosh Vintage in two colorways. A3 and I will be using Cathedral and A1 will be using Flashdance and Lepidoptia. We couldn't resist the purples today. We all agreed to knit Hannah Fettig's Mediumweight Pullover. We think we can get them done before A1 leaves in early September.

As soon as I'm done posting I'm going to swatch.

This little ball of yarn made it into the bag too. My dad is here visiting and we are going to work on a very special project using this little guy.

Did I say something in the last post about Handmade Holidays? That might have to wait until I'm done stress crafting.